Peritoneal Mesothelioma Asbestos Symptoms
Peritoneal mesothelioma asbestos symptoms often affect the digestive system. This is due to Asbestos Legal fibers being ingested, and become embedded in the lining of the stomach known as the peritoneum.
In time these fibers can cause changes in healthy peritoneal cells. In the end cancerous tumors develop in the peritoneum.
Mesothelioma is a difficult disease to diagnose. The early signs can resemble symptoms of other diseases, like hernia, or IBS.
Signs and symptoms
When asbestos fibers are inhaled they can be absorbed into the lungs and travel throughout the body. They can then become trapped in the abdominal lining or other organs, creating irritation and inflammation that leads to tumor growth. This process can take a long time to develop and many victims are unaware of their asbestos exposure until it’s too late.
Asbestos fibers can get trapped in the tissue lining the abdominal cavity, or other organs, leading to malignant peritoneal melanomas. It is the second most common mesothelioma type, however it can be difficult to identify because the initial symptoms aren’t specific and are similar to those of gastrointestinal disorders. Patients with peritoneal mesothelioma often suffer from stomach pain, fatigue, and gastrointestinal issues.
Mesothelioma sufferers are usually diagnosed with peritoneal cancer after undergoing a physical examination, a medical history review and a series of tests performed by a laboratory. A X-ray as well as a CT scan can help doctors identify any lumps or other indications of disease. In certain cases doctors who treat mesothelioma will also order a biopsied to get a more accurate diagnosis.
Peritoneal mesothelioma symptoms typically begin in the abdomen and can cause severe abdominal pain as well as bloating, weight loss, stomach fluid accumulation nausea, vomiting, and other digestive problems. Symptoms may also include chest pain, swelling, and fatigue. If symptoms like these occur it is essential that patients seek medical attention since they may be caused by other ailments.
Despite the difficulties of diagnosing peritoneal mesothelioma, victims are often able to receive the right treatment to extend their lives. In the majority of cases, this involves surgical treatment and heated chemotherapy.
Contact our mesothelioma attorneys to find out how we can help you if you or someone in your family has been diagnosed with peritoneal msothelioma. We can connect you to a mesothelioma specialist near you and assist you in bringing a suit against the asbestos companies responsible for your exposure. We can also ensure you receive the financial compensation you deserve. Complete our online form to start the process. We partner with the top mesothelioma lawyers and can help you secure the best possible outcome.
Diagnosis
The first step in identifying mesothelioma of the peritoneal region is to collect an accurate medical history. Doctors will ask the patient about their exposure to asbestos and when it occurred. A physical exam will be conducted. X-rays, blood tests and CT scans are often employed in the initial examination.
Peritoneal mesothelioma is difficult to diagnose due to its long time of latency. Patients may be afflicted by symptoms like nausea, abdominal pain, and fever that are similar to those of other conditions. These symptoms that are not specific can confuse doctors. Mesothelioma is a rare cancer, and it can take a long time for symptoms to manifest after asbestos exposure.
Asbestos fibers inhaled, or consumed are transported into the stomach lining known as the peritoneum. Once inside the peritoneum the asbestos fibers’ sharp edges can cause irritation to the mesothelium. This irritation causes scar tissue and inflammation over time. This causes abnormal cell growth and tumors.
There are no FDA-approved screening tests for mesothelioma of the peritoneum, however, researchers are developing ways to identify the disease in its earliest stages. The importance of identifying mesothelioma early is that it determines the treatment options.
A mesothelioma specialist can perform a paracentesis procedure or percutaneous needle biopsy to collect a sample of mesothelioma tumors for lab testing. These tests can help identify the kind of cancer cells (epithelioid biphasic, sarcomatoid, or epithelioid) within the tumor, and assist doctors to determine an appropriate treatment plan.
Specialists in mesothelioma can also determine the stage of a patient. The stage determines the most effective treatment and also helps mesothelioma lawyers understand which asbestos companies are liable in mesothelioma cases.
When a mesothelioma expert reviews the results of a biopsy the doctor creates a pathology report which contains details about the type mesothelioma. The report may also include an assessment scale that reveals how far the cancer has spread throughout the body. The more advanced the stage is, the less likely it is that it will respond to treatment. Lawyers can explain the significance of this in a client’s situation.
Treatment
Asbestos fibers are inhaled or eaten and then absorbed in the tissues lining the abdomen and other organs. These fibers irritate the cells and damage DNA. This causes the formation of tumors. Typically, peritoneal cancer is found in the lining that surrounds the abdomen. Peritoneal Mesothelioma affects more women than pleural Mesothelioma, but it is less common.
The symptoms of peritoneal mesothelioma are similar to those of gastrointestinal disorders like irritable bowel disorder and Crohn’s disease. This makes it difficult for doctors to diagnose the condition. Initial symptoms may be misinterpreted as a sign of other illnesses and can last for months or even years before mesothelioma is identified.
A doctor may also perform imaging and blood tests to rule out any other conditions or diseases that could cause the same symptoms of mesothelioma. These tests can also be used to determine the most suitable treatment options.
A biopsy is conducted by a doctor to confirm the diagnosis. This is due to the fact that peritoneal msothelioma can in the abdominal lining. A biopsy is the process of removing small portions of the affected area to be examined by pathologists. Biopsies are able to reveal cancerous cells, and can identify the type of Mesothelioma.
When a peritoneal Msothelioma diagnosis is confirmed, doctors will discuss the treatment options with patients. The aim of any treatment plan is typically to decrease the size and quantity of tumors. Surgery is usually the first line of defense, however, patients must also consider the possibility of chemotherapy and immunotherapy.
Contrary to chest-based treatments for pleural mesothelioma which are administered via the lung, the peritoneal mesothelioma treatment are administered intravenously or orally. Chemotherapy injections, such as heated intraperitoneal therapy (HIPEC), helped extend the life expectancy of many patients. HIPEC was developed by mesothelioma expert Paul Sugarbaker.
Patients suffering from peritoneal asbestosis may be able to bring a lawsuit against negligent asbestos companies. An experienced mesothelioma lawyer can review a patient’s case and suggest legal options. Contact us today to start. It’s completely no cost, it’s confidential and there is no commitment. We offer nationwide representation.
Prognosis
Mesothelioma is a rare type of cancer. The doctors have limited experience dealing with it, which means that many patients are wrongly diagnosed as having other diseases. A mesothelioma specialist can assist patients identify the cause and ensure they receive the proper treatment.
asbestos attorney exposure is only the one known cause of peritoneal mesthelioma. Asbestos fibers can cause irritation to abdominal tissues as well as cell mutations when inhaled or consumed. In time, this may cause tumors to form mesothelioma of peritoneum.
Construction or manufacturing work is often the first place where asbestos exposure can begin. These industries may utilize asbestos-containing materials, such as fireproofing and insulation. Asbestos is also found in household items, such as flooring and roof tiles. Even very low levels of exposure put a person at risk for mesothelioma. Because mesothelioma is a chronic disease with a long time to develop it is possible for patients to be diagnosed with peritoneal mesothelioma years after the initial exposure.
Peritoneal mesothelioma symptoms could appear similar to other conditions and be mistaken for a hernia, digestive issues such as Crohn’s disease or colitis, or other forms of abdominal cancer. This is why many patients do not report their exposure to asbestos claim, and they don’t seek medical treatment. A biopsy may be recommended by a specialist to confirm the diagnosis of mesothelioma. A biopsy involves the removal of the smallest piece of tissue to be examined. This procedure can help determine the stage of mesothelioma, and if it is epithelioid, biphasic, or sarcomatoid.
If mesothelioma isn’t spreading, doctors can remove the tumors. They will also offer an option for curative treatment. The doctor can also determine if the cancer has expanded to the abdomen. They can then prescribe palliative treatments for the patient, including paracentesis to drain the abdominal fluid.
If a mesothelioma has advanced the chances of survival are less. The tumors could become resistant to certain treatment and may recur. The doctor may recommend a combination of chemotherapy and surgery. Surgery options include cytoreduction along with hyperthermic intraperitoneal therapy. This combination is more likely to improve a patient’s outlook than merely chemotherapy alone.